What Is a Desiccator?
A desiccator is a sealable enclosure used in laboratories to protect moisture-sensitive substances from humidity. Its main purpose is to maintain a very low-humidity environment, preventing chemicals or materials from absorbing water vapor from the air.
Section 2: Key Components
A typical desiccator consists of a heavy glass or plastic container with a lid that creates an airtight seal. The bottom chamber contains a drying agent known as a desiccant, such as silica gel. A perforated plate rests above the desiccant, providing a stable surface to place the items that need to be kept dry.
Section 3: A Practical Example
Imagine a chemist needs to determine the precise mass of a newly synthesized, hygroscopic (water-absorbing) powder. After drying the powder in an oven, the chemist places it on the desiccator's plate to cool down. The desiccator prevents the powder from absorbing atmospheric moisture while cooling, ensuring the final weight measurement is accurate and represents only the powder itself.
Section 4: Importance in the Lab
Desiccators are essential for tasks requiring high precision and chemical stability. They are crucial for gravimetric analysis, where accurate mass measurements are vital, and for storing reference standards and hygroscopic reagents. By providing a controlled, dry atmosphere, desiccators ensure the integrity and purity of sensitive materials.